With the variable impact of influenza testing and much product innovation, POC diagnostics for infectious diseases is a wide area of high-growth opportunities

The market for Point-of-Care (POC) diagnostic products used in infectious diseases is expected to exceed US$1.8 billion by 2017, with year-on-year double digit growth from 2013 onwards. But there is a twist...

One of the largest segments within POC infectious disease diagnostics is influenza testing (US$180 million in 2011) and the overall value of the sector is influenced by the demand for tests during the critical influenza season. For example, the market rose rapidly in 2009 as a result of increased demand brought about by the pandemic H1N1 virus, declined in 2010 when there was a weak influenza season and rose again in 2011 when rates of influenza were higher. The fragmented nature of the sector, along with variable factors such as the level of influenza testing, means any assessment of the market requires a detailed appreciation of the products and players driving growth.

Competitive landscape: plenty of room for expansion?

There are 80+ companies active in the POC infectious disease sector. Alere, with 2012 revenues of US$2.4 billion of which US$565 million were due to infectious disease tests, is clearly the market leader, providing tests across all major product sectors. Alere's success has been built, in part, due to an aggressive acquisition strategy. Could that route be taken by others?

Consolidation through mergers and acquisitions is likely to continue in the POC diagnostics market in the future, while some development-stage companies are likely to fail. In light of the current economic situation, there remain good opportunities for companies with cash or financing available to them to add to their POC operations, both through acquisitions and by licensing technologies from companies that cannot afford to commercialise them themselves.

Wide applications in different geographical settings

The market for POC infectious disease testing can be broadly divided into testing in the developed world, and testing in emerging and developing countries. In the developed world, POC testing is most frequently conducted in professional healthcare settings, where it facilitates faster diagnosis and treatment than lab-based testing. Demand in the developed world varies significantly, with the US a strong adopter of the technology and Japan also frequently using POC influenza testing products. However, testing in Europe continues to be conducted mainly in central labs and the POC market is underpenetrated, hence an area of good opportunity.

POC can also have a big impact in emerging markets. With access to central lab testing often being sparse or non-existent, particularly in remote areas, POC testing can determine diagnosis at the point of need and is playing a key role in reducing the prevalence of diseases such as HIV and Malaria.

Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .1

INTRODUCTION 2

The Role Of POC Testing in Infectious Disease Diagnostics and Surveillance 2